Confronting Climate Change in Idaho
Idahoans enjoy a way of life based on clean air, clean water, and access to the outdoors. So Idahoans feel the impacts of human-caused climate change—decreasing snowpack and river flows, more frequent droughts and wildfires, hotter summers and smokier skies. Pollution from smokestacks and tailpipes contribute to climate change that is impacting Idaho’s ecosystems, economy, and way of life today. NOW is the time for bold action to address it.
Fortunately, Idaho is positioned to lead the way. With a wealth of wind, solar, and geothermal resources, investment in renewable energy projects will reduce our utility bills, benefit our economy, increase county tax revenues, and create a better future for our kids.
Our long-term goal for confronting climate change is to make Idaho carbon neutral.
Climate change, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, is already impact Idaho’s ecosystems, economy, and way of life. Confronting this challenge requires reducing carbon emissions by retiring coal and gas power plants and replacing them with renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and geothermal. As an Idaho-based organization, ICL helps facilitate this transition by engaging with utility companies on their energy plans, influencing energy market decisions, and identifying suitable locations for new renewable energy projects and transmission lines. We also support local communities in developing and implementing climate action plans. This work is critical, with ripple effects that strengthen all of our other conservation efforts.
Powering Idaho’s Clean Energy Future
The Idaho Conservation League (ICL) is working to speed Idaho’s transition from fossil fuels to clean, affordable energy. While Idaho is known for hydropower, we still import roughly one-third of the electricity we use. Much of that imported power comes from out-of-state fossil fuel plants.
Growing Demand, Growing Opportunity
Idaho’s energy demand is rising quickly. New data centers, manufacturing, and population growth are driving electricity use higher. Without careful planning, that growth could lock Idaho into more fossil fuels—or it could be the spark that powers a clean energy boom. ICL is helping communities, utilities, and policymakers make the right choice: building new wind, solar, and energy storage to meet future needs.
Clean Energy Also Saves Idahoans Money
Renewable energy is now cheaper than fossil fuels. Wind and solar have no fuel costs, which means more predictable and often lower power bills. Studies show that Idahoans will pay less over time if we invest in local clean energy rather than continue importing costly coal and gas. Transitioning to renewables also keeps more money in local economies and supports jobs in construction, maintenance, and innovation.
Building the Grid of the Future
To unlock Idaho’s clean energy potential, we need to modernize our power grid. That means expanding transmission lines responsibly, improving grid efficiency, and joining broader energy markets so we can share low-cost, renewable power with our neighbors.
ICL advocates for smart energy planning that delivers clean, reliable, and affordable power—while protecting Idaho’s lands and waters. Together, we can ensure the lights stay on, the bills stay low, and the future stays bright for all Idahoans.
